By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MANZINI – Charity and empowerment is the winner as Cardo Foundation sponsors nine pupils for the much anticipated Unlock Summit featuring Vusi Thembekwayo.
With the view that this is not just an event but a turning point, cardo foundation embraces that the Unlock Summit is a platform where real leaders, action tools and collaborative growth converges to shape Eswatini’s business landscape hence the Foundation’s investment in the youth -school going children.
The K3Y, entity hosting the event visited schools in the Manzini region alongside Cardo Foundation Director and presented the sponsorship. The Key was represented by Thamsanqa Sibandze popularly known as KrTC.
Cardo Foundation paid for nine General tickets.
The schools that benefitted included Pro Learning, Ngwane Park High School, Manzini Nazarene High School, Harold’s Academy, Manzini Central, Swazi Nation High School and St John Bosco High School.
The Unlock Summit is set to take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. Sipho Makhanya, speaking on behalf of Cardo Foundation, explained that community investment was key to Cardo businesses because the belief was on giving back and empowering the next generation.
“By investing to the youth, we are building a brighter future for everyone.”
The summit promises to be a landmark event in the national leadership calendar. With the theme touching on ‘Unlock Self. Unlock Others. Unlock Change,’ the event seeks to ignite mental, emotional, and entrepreneurial transformation among leaders across sectors.
Part of the panel includes four influential leaders who are known not just for occupying senior positions, but for leading with intention, depth, and clarity.
The panel will paint the reality of where we are in business, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership, but more importantly, it will open the path to where we can go if we rise, align, and unlock.
Nozizwe Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, will open the discussion with insights on legacy, impact, and purpose-driven leadership. A celebrated speaker and continental thought leader, her presence is expected to anchor the summit’s message of purposeful leadership.
Muzi Siyaya, Managing Director of Ubombo Sugar Limited and Vice President of Trade and Commerce at Business Eswatini, will explore strategic foresight and transformation across sectors. His experience in systems-building and policy influence will provide a grounded view of leadership amid Africa’s shifting economic realities.
Mandla “Cheeks” Nxumalo, Managing Director of Instacash and Investment Manager at Inhlonhla, offers a dual perspective as both founder and funder. Known for driving access to capital and entrepreneurial readiness, he will highlight what it takes to build resilient, scalable businesses.
Gciniwe Fakudze, CEO of Mbabane City Council, will contribute her unique lens on public sector leadership. Focused on empathy, mentorship, and community transformation, Fakudze’s approach bridge’s structure and soul, encouraging systems that serve people effectively.
Summit Co-ordinator and Transformation Catalyst Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze emphasized that the summit is not simply a corporate check-in.
“This conversation isn’t just a corporate check-in,” he said. “It’s a recalibration of how we see ourselves, our roles, and our potential and how we lead through this constantly shifting world.”
He added that the panel will lay the foundation for deeper reflection on values, personal mastery, and the type of leadership needed to meet the challenges of today’s world. “Before we go out to lead others or build empires, we’re being called to lead ourselves, and lead ourselves well,” he stressed.
Organized by The K3Y, the Unlock Summit is open to a broad audience, from seasoned CEOs to young creatives with a vision. The platform is
designed to foster bold conversations and actionable insights, helping attendees unlock both personal and collective growth.
Tickets are available in three tiers: General (E350), Gold (E1 000), and Platinum (E2500), the latter includes a copy of a book by acclaimed business speaker Vusi Thembekwayo.
The summit will run from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, welcoming entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and aspiring leaders for a fullday of inspiration and growth.
(Courtesy Pics)
